• Donald Trump arrives in the UK for a historic second state visit, an event highlighted by royal pageantry and high-profile trade talks.
• The visit includes a lavish state banquet hosted by King Charles III, amid efforts to strengthen the special relationship between the US and UK.
• Significant protests against Trump are planned, reflecting his unpopularity in the UK and controversies surrounding ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Major investments from US tech companies, including Microsoft and Google, are announced during the visit, aiming to bolster the UK's tech sector.
• Trump's discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer will cover pressing issues such as trade, tariffs, and international conflicts.

U.S. President Donald Trump has embarked on an unprecedented second state visit to the UK, officially welcomed with pomp and ceremony at Windsor Castle. This visit marks the first time an elected U.S. president has received such an honor, following his previous encounter with Queen Elizabeth II in 2019. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the couple enjoyed a carriage procession and an elaborate military welcome, described as one of the largest for a foreign leader in living memory, involving over 1,300 troops and 120 horses, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

During the visit, Trump praised the special relationship between the US and the UK, stating that the bond is "priceless and eternal." King Charles III expressed his hope for increased cooperation, emphasizing Britain's role as a historical partner in trade. The two leaders aim to solidify economic ties, with announcements of substantial investments from U.S. tech companies, including that Microsoft plans to invest £22 billion in the UK over the next four years, as reported by BBC and Reuters.

However, the visit is mired in controversy, especially surrounding Trump's past connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein, which have resurfaced amidst ongoing protests. Demonstrations have been organized by various groups, and images of Trump with Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle, resulting in arrests prior to the state visit, as detailed by Dawn and TRT Global.

As part of the visit, Trump will host talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Chequers residence, addressing key issues such as tariffs, especially concerning UK steel and aluminum exports. Starmer's government is facing challenges at home, as public opinion remains largely unfavorable towards Trump, complicating the political landscape, as highlighted by Reuters and Africa News.

The culmination of this state visit will be marked by a grand state banquet where both leaders are expected to deliver speeches, reinforcing the diplomatic ties that strive to transcend the ongoing political tensions and controversies surrounding Trump's administration and foreign relations, according to Channel News Asia and The Guardian.